Multicultural Textbooks: How To Use Them More Effectively in the Classroom.

Garcia, Jesus; And Others

Although the minority content of textbooks has increased and improved over time, its purpose and application are seldom discussed. Various approaches that promote multicultural principles, such as films, intergroup contact, curriculum innovation, multi-ethnic readers, and literature packages, are outlined in this review of the effective application of multicultural textbooks in the classroom. The review of literature indicates that favorable information about minority groups has a positive modifying effect on racial attitudes. Preliminary findings of a study conducted by one of the authors indicate that students became more knowledgeable about Afro-Americans and changed their attitudes as a result of the teachers' use of multicultural materials. The results suggest that the problem may not be the textbooks, but the ways in which they are used in the instructional process. The teacher's role is crucial: books can be thought of as the tools, and teachers as the catalysts. The more effective teachers use a variety of materials, make effective use of curricula, are aware of textbook limitations, and recognize the importance of interaction between teachers, students, and resources. (45 references) (LMI)